Some Natural Help for UTI, Please!!

WoW! I think that you should go back to the Doctors. If two weeks of meds didn't help then there probably is something else going on. Possibly a kidney infection or a stone. Drink a lot of fluids and cranberry juice but still seek medical care.

I have battled with them for years. My doctor told to drink cranberry juice. It has to be 100% cran with NO sugar added. Northland makes some. I know its tart, but drink a few gallons of it for a few days and it will help. It has always helped me. I even drink it when I think I'm getting one and it goes away. But it has to be %100...NO sugar. PLEASE don't take the AZO pills, they just mask the problem they do not help it. They contain sugar, which makes utis worse!! Thats what my doc said!!

Sorry to hear about the UTI!

I get uti's very often. Some "home" rememidies that help are drinking lots of water always. When I feel one coming on- more water and cranberry juice, cranberry tablets (AZO is a name brand but cvs/walmart/etc have store brands -no prescription needed), cranberries in general are good.

In all my time with uti's I have never had lower back/hip pain. If that's the case I would tell my dr.

get better soon!

Hi, K.! The only things that I could suggest are drinking plenty of water and cranberry juice (but watch your sugar content); and then you could try drinking the old "cure all" remedy of a cup of green tea with one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and a tablespoon of honey. The vinegar is supposed to help clean everything out. You could also try taking supplements like Echinacea or Golden Seal. One helps your immune system and the other helps clean everything out.
Also, a friend of mine was getting UTIs all the time (not that you are), but her doctor told her to make sure she goes to the bathroom and cleans up after sex. So, I guess that could also be a contributor to UTIs? Not sure, but some food for thought.
Good luck to you!

Oh I am an expert at this one!! CRANBERRY JUICE!!! As much as you can stand!! It will flush your track and especially your kidneys. It is painful because you go the bathroom a lot, but that means it is working.

100% cranberry juice!!! I promise it works!

Go back to the doctor! You should NOT suffer from an infection. Ask your doctor if it's okay to do the following suggestions while you're on medicine. I cannot stress enough that you should go to the doctor and discuss this with her/him.

* drink LOTS of water
* drink more water
* drink cranberry juice NOT cocktail
* avoid sugar
* take a probiotic to counteract the antibiotic killing "good" bacteria (ask your pharmacist)
* eat yogurt with live and active cultures
* did I mention water?
* vitamin C (this can act as a kind of antibiotic when taken in high doses for a short period of time **ask your doctor the max you can take per day and for how long)

Good luck...I've been there!
S.

Hi K.,
Having had UTIs my whole life, I think you should definitely call your doctor and tell him you still have severe pain. It may turn into or already be a kidney infection by the sound of it. He can also perscribe something for the pain.

In the meantime, in addition to taking the rest of your medication, you need to drink as much REAL cranberry juice as you can in addition to lots of water. You need to be drinking something constantly - try to alternate cranberry juice and water. I know it'll be hard, but that's one of the natural ways to get rid of it. But if it doesn't go away, you definitely need to tell the doctor.

Hope you start feeling better...

I didn't read all of the responses but have you been checked for kidney stones?? I didn't know that it is common to get them after pregnancy. I woke up in the middle of the night in excruciating (sp) pain and was vomiting from the back and abdomen pain. I went to the er and they said I was passing a kidney stone. I would get rechecked if they pills are not helping. Hope you feel better.

The best I know is to drink Cranberry Juice it will take awhile. But I think there is more going on then just a UTI. I would go back to the doctor.

Hello!
Most UTI need the assistance of an antibiotic to help relieve the discomfort and urgency quickly. You may need a stronger antibiotic or take the one you have for a onger period of time. Consult your doctor! 2 oz of cranberry juice concentrate mixed with 4oz water is helpful as well. do not buy the regular cranberry juice because it has sugar and sometimes sugar creates an environment that attracts more germs into the UTI tract. The health food store will have the cranberry juice concentate or go to the natural food aisle or the nutrition aisle in your supermarket. Good Luck and KIT!

1. go back to your doctor

2. Oooolong Tea. Sometimes hard to find after Green Tea became popluar. Drinking large amounts of it helped w/ symptoms from my last UTI but I still had to get antibiotic from the doctor. I usually get my Ooolong tea from Harry's or Whole Foods.

3. As everyone else has said cranberry juice is great.

Hope you feel better soon.

Hi K.:
I think you should call the doctor. If you only have two pills left the antibiotic is not doing it's job. He may have prescribed a broad-spectrum antibiotic without doing a culture and the bug you have may not be killed with the antibiotic you are taking. Drink lots of water and cranberry juice. Don't take baths but showers. Also our doctors don't tell us females that in general urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria marching up our urethra into the bladder and sometimes on to the kidneys. It is most important to keep that area clean as we have numerous micro-organism that live on and in our bodies. Use the flushable wet wipes that are now on the market.

I would bet the infection that you have is resistant to the antibiotic you have taken. You need to speak to you doctor about this. They will most likely give you a different one and may also ask you to come in so that can do a urine culture. Don't delay as it may get worse without treatment.

K., we use all herbs for all ailments (and it's much quicker than antibiotics) and I find that the BEST UTI remedy is D-Mannose Powder. You can get in powder or capsule form at your local health food store (NOT GNC). D-Mannose is 10 times more powerful than cranberries and is safe for the whole family. I buy the powder because it's more cost effective, plus it doesn't taste like anything anyway and so I can give it to all in the family, including children, if needed.

When my 10yo got a kidney infection, it went away with D-Mannose powder. It's wonderful stuff! You can do a search on D-Mannose Powder on the internet to explain exactly what it is. By the way, I get mine from 'Good Nutrition' health food store on Beaver Ruin Rd or McGinnis Ferry Rd in Duluth. I don't know where you are (forgot to look ahead of time. Hope this helps!

There is a product called Cranactin that you can take. It is highly concentrated cranberry in a capsule. Also drink cranberry juice, not cocktail, but straight 100% juice. Lots of water too. Feel better!

I don't know what to tell you for the pain, but I do know cranberry capsules are good for UTI.

From what you describe sounds more like a kidney infection than a UTI. Go back to your DR ASAP!!!

S.

I will second or 3rd or 4th , the Cranberry juice remedy. And go back to the dr. the back pain might not be the UTI it could be kidneys.

If the pain is moving to your back, feels like an elephant is standing on it, then it's moving to your kidneys.... at least that's what happened to me. My UTI turned into a kidney infection... had to go to ER and get fluids. You need to consult your doctor if that back pain continues.

As for natural remedies, I've always just drank plenty of water and cranberry juice. And have taken the over the counter drugs. Some UTIs are more persistant than others and my require antibiotics. But if that's not working for you and the pain is worse, you should call your Dr.

Bless your heart! I feel so sorry for you. I have tried a UTI medication from Monistat and it always helps some of the worst UTI infections. It does not seem to rid it w/out an antibiotic, but does help with the pain. drink plenty of water and cranberry juice. And to help in the future, there are pills you buy over the counter to take on a daily basis, with "cran" in it to prevent these irritating things! Good luck!

K., if you have not already go back to your doctor. You could have a kidny stone trying to pass.

Hey K.-
I've always been told to drink cranberry juice and they even have cranberry pills that is more strong.

Good Luck!

You MUST get the infection with antibiotics! Go back to the doctor if the infection isn't gone. You're complaining of lower back pain so it sounds like the infection has spread to your kidneys. You're going to have to nip this in the bud or you'll end up in the hospital!!! Please go to the doctor TODAY!!!

You can buy an OTC called AZO. This stuff has been a life saver for me. Word to the wise though, make sure you wear a panty liner as it will stain everything a bright orange yellow color. Also lots of water or cranberry juice. Just make sure to lay off the caffeinated drinks. Hope this helps!

It's sad to say, but I've had my share of UTI's. I hope the following works for you. I found relief in room temperature 100% cranberry juice (Not Cocktail) and tylenol. The tylenol helps with pain. The cranberry Juice makes your bladder slick which keeps it from being invaded by bacteria. On the other hand, you may want to call your doctor if the antibiotics are not working by now. The antibiotic Eurithromycin (sp) did nothing for me. I hope you feel better soon.

If it's not a kidney infection, Try two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Also take vitamin C to bowel tolerance. Hope you feel better soon.

There is something out there called D-Mannose (sp?) that is a natural sugar that makes the insides of your bladder slippery so that the bacteria cannot stick to your bladder. It works for almost all types of UTI's. However, it does not work for 100% of them and it tastes HORRIBLE. I had one last January, and took it 3x day and it never came back. You can find it at some drug stores and health food stores, and it is expensive. But it did work for me! But please tell your doctor if it's not working for you. Hope this helps! Good luck!
J.

1. I agree with the chiropractor. Go see one who is skilled in real specific, scientific chiropractic adjustments. Check out this website www.upcspine.com for lots of education and possibly a referral in your area. At least the chiropractor can relieve some (or all, depending) pain and tell you if you need to see an M.D. Mine is ALWAYS my first choice for diagnosis and treatment.
2. Cranberries are great but most solutions have way too much sugar. I take a supplement that is a cranberry/blueberry/uva ursi formula that is in a delicious chewable tablet that will help in acute situations at large dose and can be taken regularly to keep your urinary tract clean. Be sure to get good advice from a nutritional clinician or someone who has studied supplements from established companies (like mine) when you are shopping for specific herbs and teas. Some are not good for you when you have an infection and some are much better.
3. D-mannose is good but adhere to the warnings – Google these suggestions and buy a pharmaceutical grade supplement from a reputable store/company.
4. If you’re having one UTI, they usually don’t all go away with antibiotic treatments and you will have more, so get on a regimen that will get rid of all the bad bacteria. That’s a vitamin and mineral supplement that will get the calcium to the bloodstream instead of straight to the kidneys to form stones. You might have a kidney stone with the pain you’re describing and that’s nothing to play around with – a good chiropractor can test you. Don’t let a doctor tell you to cut down on your calcium – you just need to get it to the bloodstream so it doesn’t calcify in the kidneys and it needs to be “carried’ sufficiently through your body. My sister’s an expert on this routine.
5. There are a few people on this board that prevent health problems in their families and treat them naturally, the best way, and I would follow them down a rosy path before I’d listen to a M.D. They’ll be happy to cut something out or give you a pill that usually make things worse, but their education is insufficient to heal people. If the chiropractor doesn’t fix the pain, then go have it checked. But then go back to the chiropractor with the diagnostic tests. Mine’s in Stockbridge www.godiscoverhealth.com and probably worth the drive. Keep in touch. I'm writing this quickly and leaving town but would be glad to talk more.

D-Mannose i agree. my 21 month old had one this past weekend and was miserable until i started her on that. i opted not to give her the antibiotics. mix it in some juice or water and drink it 3 times a day. i did lots of research on it and there is nothing negative on it. fish oil is also good for inflamation. you could also take a probiotic. good luck, not much fun.

Hi Katrina-

I feel your pain as I fight UTI's frequently. Sounds like you may definitely need a different antibiotic. My Dr. prescribes an antibiotic called Levaquin and it works GREAT! Of course, don't forget to drink lots of water.

Hope you feel better soon! :)

You should really consider going back to the doctor. Your uti may have developed into a kidney infection, especially since the pain has moved to your back. This can happen as a result of a uti. In the mean time drink lots of cranberry juice that helps and is better than the pill form. Your body absorbs more of what it needs from the juice. Good luck!!!

If you have strong lower back pains you might have a resistant UTI that has turned into a kidney infection. Lower back pains and hip pains are a sign of kidney infection. You should go back to the doctor right away. Depending on the seriousness, they may give you a shot of antibiotics or send you to the ER. It can be very serious! I had two earlier this year and both times, I had a shot of antibiotics at the office plus a round of oral antibiotics to remove the infection. It did work but if you wait you are more likely to end up in ER.

Good luck!

K., darlin' get back to your doctor right now! When you are well again then you can take time & ask for advice from us for a simple UTI. Cranberries ROCK!!
Don't I just sound like the typical older mom? Well maybe not, except for the bossy part.
Now get on the phone and make that appointment.
Love ya!

Go back to the DR for a recheck of your urine. I had this and they had to give me a different antibiotic as not all will respond to the same one. V.

K.,
I so agree with LOTs of water and seeing the doctor for a urine check and a possible different, better antibiotic, BUT, I don't agree with the cranberry juice *now* and this is why: Bacteria that can live in urine like an acid environment. Cranberry makes it more acidic, so you may end up making the bacteria more happy. Cranberry is great for beginning UTIs as it (as well as blueberries) have an ingredient that acts against the bacteria. But, most people take it with sugar, which feeds the bacteria - not a good idea. Staying away from sugar right now is something to remember. To make your urine not acidic, try lots of alfalfa, bananas, etc. Alfalfa is considered by some to have an anti-bacterial effect, as well, and it's incredibly nutrient-rich. Capsules are easiest to take; I buy the kind with just alfalfa, nothing else.

Most herbalists use nettles tea (and/or capsules) for UTIs. Any nettles tea you drank would be counted as water intake. Use D-mannose or stevia instead of sugar. D-mannose is seen by some as being effective against UTIs.

Many midwives really like parsley tea (as in just like what may be on your spice rack - be sure it's fresh) or rice tea. Uva ursi or pipsissiwa are herbs that should only be taken if you're seeing an herbalist.

Of the echinaceas, only echinacea purpurea is considered effective for UTIs. Many people don't take enough echinacea when they take it and then think it doesn't work. When I take echinacea, I make sure to get 1000 mg (1 gram) per dose, 3-4 times a day.

Yarrow is considered by many herbalists to be very healing and soothing on UTIs, especially if there is any bleeding. But, herbalists would tell you to not use this alone if you have a high fever (over 102 F) because sometimes it increases fever.

Hope this helps,
D. S (mom to 5, granny to 1, and a battler of UTIs in family)

HI K.,

I agree with Donna, MJ and Carol D. Chiropractic is wonderful and D- mannose and cranberries are great for a UTI. the pain you describe may even go further and be a kidney stone however. Kidney stones are usually cause by a malabsorption of calcium and most doctors take you off calcium instead of giving you calcium that truly absorbs in your system. Your immune system and your digestive system control all of these problems. EVERYTHING is related.

If it were me, I would go to the chiropractor first. Chiropractic is for overall health not just back issues. I take a supplement called Cranbarrier regularly because it is good for overall good kidney and urinary tract health. (I had numerous infections and stones until I figured out what was causing them.)If you're interested in more information on the Cranbarrier, let me know. My next step would be to make sure I am hydrated all the time. Water is best. Gatorade and Powerade have TOO much sugar and complicate the problem.

If it is truly an infction (bacterial, that is) then you can resort to Collodial Silver. It does wonders for bacteria but is meant for short term use. Some people will tell you there are side effects from it and it is a mineral BUT there are so many less side effects than ANY antibiotic. Antibiotics can cause terrible yeast infection as well as break down the immune system. Yeast can get into your urinary tract just like it can go anywhere else and it is terribly painful also.

Let me know if you'd like to talk. Sometimes a question and answer works better especially if there is something that you haven't mentioned here. I truly feel your pain and pray you are over it soon!

Regards,

M.

K., You need to go see a Dr. NOW!!! Sounds like a kidney infection. You are getting worst not better. I had the same thing. Have you noticed blood in your urine? You can't drink cranberrry juice and water to get rid of a kidney infection. You need an antibiotic. It seems like the antibiotic you are taking is not working. If after 2 days on an antibiotic and you are not feeling WAY better, you need to consult your Dr. again.

I feel ya. I just got over one 2 weeks ago! It was very painful and stressful and VERY uncomfortable!!!

Hi K.,
Have you ever thought of chiropractic care for your pain? I am a chiropractor and this is very common. It sounds like you could have a pinched nerve in your pelvis/low back area. It could really help so much! Check it out. Let me know if you need more info:)

It sounds like you need a stronger antibiotic, or sounds as if you have either a bladder infection, or a possibility of a kidney stone - have you called your doctor and reported this continued pain? If not, I recommend that you do - I'm just getting over a UTI also, I was given Keflex as an antibiotic - seems to be working for me, however I was just beginning to have pain in my back when I called my doctor - mostly foul smelling urine and some irritation at the time - both have left after taking the antibiotic for 5 days - I'm to keep taking it for two weeks and then have another urine culture.